Photo by Fernando Lopez

Last night, Relix put on the first of their three evenings of musical conversations and performances at the Toulouse Theatre in New Orleans. The event was hosted by WWOZ’s DJ Soul Sister, who led musical guests Big Freedia and Tarriona “Tank” Ball through a 45-minute conversation before an audience Q & A and live performance.

During the conversation, both Big Freedia and Ball spoke about their love for New Orleans and how the city influenced them and vice versa. Big Freedia spoke openly about pioneering bounce music in the city and how the call-and-response format of hip-hop played over a hyper-fast beat was first received. Ball recounted how her evolution as a slam poet, and the time restraints of the format, led to the creation rhythm-driven musical collective; she also spoke about her book of poetry, Vulnerable AF.

After the conversation, audience members lined up to ask the eclectic musical and cultural figureheads questions, though most of what people shared were words of deep respect and admiration for what the artists have done for the city, its music and its people.

After the Q & A as planned, Tank and the Bangas kicked off their performance at the recently revitalized venue, and as a special surprise, Big Freedia joined them on stage, to the elevation and fascination of guests.

Tonight Relix will host its second evening of musical conversations at the Toulouse Theatre. This evening’s gathering will feature an incredible group of musicians from Preservation Hall – @MarkBraudMusic, Haruka Kikuchi, Joshua Starkman, Kerry Lewis, and Shannon Powell. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, previously announced guests Charlie Gabriel and Ben Jaffe will no longer be participating. Find tickets for tonight’s event here.

See photos from last night’s performance and pannel below: